Tag Archives: color

If you had to describe each of your favorite movies with a color, what colors would you choose?

It’s a question that’s often on Chu Sin-hang’s mind. As a serious movie buff, this Hong Kong-based illustrator enjoys reimagining her favorite movies as Pantone colors. Then, using these colors as canvases, she recreates iconic scenes with strokes of black and white. The project began in 2017, when she put Léon: The Professional (1994) on a backdrop of Apple Green, and it’s kept growing ever since. As of today, Chu’s FILMTONE series features over 100 charming illustrations of movies across all genres.“The FILMTONE series is basically just my way of sharing the movies that I love with others,” she says.

We caught up with Chu one afternoon and asked her to recommend some of her favorite films for different moods and occasions in the hopes of uncovering some hidden gems that might have slipped under our radar.

What movie do you never hesitate to watch again, no matter how many times you’ve seen it?

I’ve watched and re-watched countless Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films since I was a little kid. I can always pick up something new on each viewing.

你已经看了好多次、但绝对会毫不犹豫再看一次的电影

从小时候到现在，我看了无数次宫崎骏的动画电影。每一次我都可以从中获得一点新的东西。

Spirited Away (2001) / 《千与千寻》

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) / 《哈尔的移动城堡》

Princess Mononoke (1997) / 《幽灵公主》

What have you seen recently that you’d recommend to all your friends?

Searching (2018). The creative use of texting, webcams, and FaceTime videos was really cool and made it a worthwhile watch.

一部你最近刚看完，想分享给身边所有朋友的电影

《网络谜踪》运用了非常有创意的叙事手法，电影全由手机短信、网络摄像机、视讯画面等 “荧幕” 所见画面组成，我觉得实在太酷了，很值得一看。

Searching (2018) /
《网络谜踪》

What Hong Kong film would you recommend to someone who’s never seen any?

I’d recommend Chungking Express (1994) by Wong Kar-wai. It’s about the melancholy and loneliness of living in a large metropolis. The film was shot in locations with frenetic urban energy, like Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui, so the audience can get a taste of Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle, as well as its beauty.

I think Once (2007) is one of the best movies for a first date. First dates are about finding out if you can connect with someone and how you connect with them. Once is a movie that talks about these subtle connections.

推荐一部適合第一次約會的電影

《曾经》是我认为最适合第一次约会看的电影！对我来说第一次约会是在寻找自己与对方是否有内心连结的过程，这部电影就是在描述这种微妙情感的故事。

Once (2007) / 《曾经》

What’s a good movie to watch on sleepless nights?

I’d pick Lost in Translation (2003). Watching Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) deal with ennui and culture shock in Tokyo always pulls me into a state of jet-lag-like dreaminess. This mood makes me feel out of place and exhausted—and hence, cures my insomnia.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) by Michel Gondry is about a couple who decide to undergo a medical procedure to erase each other from their memories after their relationship turns sour. Although the ending is sad, the movie reminds us there’s plenty of joy along the way. I think this movie might, to a certain extent, soothe a broken heart.

What movie would you recommend to cheer up someone who’s down in the dumps?

Amélie (2001) by Jean-Pierre Jeunet always helps me when I’m feeling my lowest. There’s something beautiful about the character Amélie. If you’re depressed, the comedic scenes will help perk you up.

如果有一部电影，能够把一个悲伤的人变成最快乐的人，你觉得会是哪一部?

《天使爱美丽》总是帮助我度过难过的时候。主角艾蜜莉好像有一种魔力，能把你从悲伤拯救出来。

Amélie (2001) / 《天使爱美丽 》

Has a movie ever left you so stunned that you couldn’t get up from your seat even after the credits?

Yes, The Truman Show (1998). The film explores the idea of surveillance and takes it to an extreme. The plot seems ridiculous at first, yet there’s quite a lot to reflect on. It messed with my head and made me question myself. What if every moment of my life was being monitored for public entertainment? What if my existence was a lie? What if the society I lived in was a conspiracy?

If you were stranded on a desert island and could pick just one movie to keep you company, what would it be?

You’ve reminded me of a film I enjoyed a lot but haven’t drawn yet! I’d probably bring Cast Away (2000) by Robert Zemeckis. If I were stuck on a desert island, Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) and Wilson the volleyball would definitely be my best companions. This movie would be a lifesaver. It would also help me deal with loneliness and mental anguish.